Emergency gas alarm system

ABSTRACT

A gas alarm system utilizing a gas absorber cartridge having a high affinity to the desired gas to be detected and a balance scale supporting the gas absorber container at one side and an adjustable counterweight of the other side, is described. Imbalance of the scale due to gas absorption in the gas absorber cartridge actuates an electrical switch in an alarm circuit to energize visual and audible signals indicative of gas in the surrounding atmosphere.

WIRELESS ALARM SYSTEM CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of our U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 848,258, filed Aug. 7, 1969.

This invention relates to alarm systems. More particularly, this invention relates to a window mounted alarm system.

Generally, a window mounted alarm system comprises a plurality of units so disposed as to detect the opening of the windows of a dwelling. Thus, the movement of the window away from the upper or lower window frame causes the displacement of a switch thereby detecting the opening of the window. In prior art window alarm systems, it has been the practice to provide conventional electrical wiring for transmitting the signal from the window mounted alarm unit to the apparatus for sounding the alarm. The use of this electrical wiring has presented certain problems.

Usually the window mounted alarm actuating unit is located a relatively far distance from the alarm. Thus, it is necessary that a large amount of wiring be done in order to connect the window mounted actuating unit to the alarm. Unfortunately, this results in a great deal of unsightly wiring which detracts from the general appearance of the surrounding. Furthermore, as efforts have been made to conceal this unattractive wiring, the cost of installation has risen appreciably. In fact, with many present day window mounted burglar alarm systems, a large portion of the cost of the entire system may be attributed to the cost of installation. This large cost of installation is made up in large part by the lengthy time period required to wire the system.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a window mounted alarm system wherein there will be no unsightly wiring to detract from the general appearance of the surroundings.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a window mounted alarm system having a very low cost of in stallation.

Furthennore, it is another object of the present invention to provide a window mounted alarm system which will be completely hidden from view when in use or, in the altemative, occupy only a small amount of space.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a window mounted alarm actuating unit that will not be affected by exterior contaminants such as dust, dirt or moisture.

In addition, it is still another'object of the present invention to provide a window mounted alarm actuating unit wherein the power source therefore need be replaced only at lengthy intervals.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

The above-mentioned objects and many others are achieved by the present invention which includes a window mounted alarm actuating unit which is connected to a receiver by a wireless transmission path. The receiver is connected to an alarm. Thus, there are not unsightly wires to detract from the general appearance of the surroundings. Furthermore, costs of installation are greatly reduced as there is no necessity for expensive time-consuming wiring. Furthermore, when the windows are closed and the alarm is set, the alarm system of one embodiment of the present invention is completely out of si t.

l fi accordance with the present invention, it is desired that the transmitter generate a wireless signal to the receiver whenever the window is opened. Since it is not desired to actuate the alarm every time the window is opened, it is necessary to provide some means to disconnect the alarm. This may readily be done by providing the receiver with an on-off switch.

If the window mounted actuating unit continuously generates a wireless signal in response to the open condition of the window, a continuous signal will be generated whenever the window is open irrespective of whether the receiver is in its on or off position. Thus, although no alarm will be generated when the receiver is in its off position, there will be a continuous drain upon the power source.

In accordance with the present invention, means are provided for allowing the actuating switch of the window mounted alarm actuating unit of .the present invention to generate a signal for only a short period of time during the actual opening of the window. Thus, the power source for the transmitter will not be appreciably drained after the window is positioned in an open position.

In many window mounted alarm actuating units in use today, it is possible for dust, dirt, moisture and other contaminants to collect within the actuating unit. If these contaminants collect upon the electrical contacts of the actuating unit, electrical flow therethrough may be prevented resulting in a failure of the unit. This is particularly undesirable because there will be no warning as to when the alarm will fail. Thus, the failure of the window alarm actuating unit will be detected only after an unauthorized entry into the dwelling through a window has been completed.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are show in the drawings two preferred embodiments, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a functional representation of the alarm system of the present invention, employing a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the window mounted alarm actuating unit of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a second embodiment of the present invention taken on line 33 of FIG. 3A, with the cover member cut away for clarity.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a second embodiment of the present invention mounted on a window with the window in the closed position.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4A is a side view similar to FIG. 3A with the window in the open position.

Referring now to the drawings in particular, wherein like numerals designate like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a functional representation of a first embodiment of the alarm system of the present invention.

A window mounted alarm actuating unit designated as 18 in FIG. 1 is mounted in a window frame 16 containing upper window I2 and partially raised lower window 14. The window mounted alarm actuating unit contains a transmitter therein which allows the unit to generate a wireless signal whenever lower window 14 is raised allowing plunger 20 to rise. This wireless signal is detected by receiver 24. The wireless transmission path is designated as 22 in FIG. 1. Receiver 24 is operatively connected to alarm 30 by connection 28. Alarm 30 may be mounted within the dwelling to be protected by the alarm system or may be mounted upon one of the exterior walls of the dwelling as is commonly done. The connection from receiver 24 to alarm 30 designated as 28 in FIG. 1 may be by conventional electrical wiring or may be by wireless transmission.

As will be explained more fully hereinafter, plunger 20 of the window mounted alarm actuating unit is displaced downwardly by the closed lower window 14. Upon the opening of lower window 14, bias means causes the upward movement of plunger 20 thereby causing the window mounted alarm actuating unit to generate a wireless signal. This wireless signal is detected by receiver 24. Since it is desirable that the alarm not be actuated every time lower window 14 is opened, on-off switch 26 is provided at receiver 24 for insuring that every signal generated by window mounted alarm actuating unit 18 will not actuate alarm 30.

FIG. 2 shows in greater detail the interior mechanism of an embodiment of a window mounted alarm actuating unit 18 of the present invention. The alarm actuating unit is contained within casing 72. Casing 72 has a diameter of less than 3 inches and a length of less than 18 inches. Thus, casing 72 may be entirely submerged within window frame 16. Plunger 20 is PATENTEUFEB 8 I972 INVENTOR. r/HMES R BOFFKHUIS EMERGENCY GAS ALARM SYSTEM This invention relates to gas detection and is directed particularly to an energizing gas alarm system for detecting the presence of any particular gas in the surrounding atmosphere and, in response to such detection, to set off an alarm-and/or shut off the source of the gas being detected, such as by open circuiting the ignition circuit to an automotive vehicle exhausting excess carbon monoxide.

An object of the invention is to provide an emergency gas alarm system of the character described comprising a gas-absorbing cartridge balanced against an adjustably positioned counterweight on a balance scale, the movement to imbalance as a result of increased weight of the gas-absorbing cartridge being utilized to close an electrical switch in an energizing circuit to actuate an electrical alarm warning of the presence of such gas.

Another object of the invention is to provide an emergency gas alann system of the above nature including means for manually adjusting the counterweight to balance.

Still another object is to provide an emergency gas alarm system which will be simple in construction, compact, economical in cost, and dependable, efficient and durable in operation.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description when read with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings,

wherein like reference numerals denote corresponding parts in each of the two figures;

FlG. 1 illustrates, in oblique view, an emergency gas alarm device embodying the invention; and

FIG. 2 is an electrical schematic diagram of the device illustrating its use in an automotive vehicle to detect the presence of carbon monoxide within the vehicle when the engine is left running.

Referring now in detail to FIG. 1 of the drawings, reference numeral designates the base of a preferred embodiment of the device supporting a scale assembly 11 near one end, a switch assembly 12 at the inner end of said scale assembly, a pair of indicator lamps l3, l4, and an electrical relay 15 mounted near the opposite end of said base.

The scale assembly 11 comprises an upstanding, U-shaped bracket 16 upon which a scale beam 17 is swingably supported. At its outwardly extending end the scale beam is provided with opposed upwardly extending side portions 18, 19 defining a longitudinal seat for the reception of a cylindrical gas-absorber cartridge 20, hereinafter more particularly described. The opposite or inner end 21 of the scale beam 17 has slidably arranged therealong counterweight 22.

Means is provided for adjustably moving the counterweight 22 along the inner end 21 of the scale beam 17 to achieve a balance when setting up the device for operation. To this end, the counterweight 22 has a sidewardly projecting portion 23 constrained in its sliding movement between a pair of spaced, circular flanges 24, 25 at the inner end of an adjustment screw 26 threadingly received within a support post 27. Operation is such that turning of the thumb-screw head 28 at the outer end of the adjustment screw 26 will correspondingly adjust the counterweight 22 in the inner or outer direction to achieve balance with respect to a particular gas-absorber cartridge placed on the scale.

The inner end 21 of the scale beam 17, when in a balanced condition, extends freely between upper and lower stationary contacts 29, 30, respectively, of the switch contact assembly 12. The upper stationary contact 29 connects through conductor 31 to one terminal of a red indicator or warning lamp 13, and to one of the energization winding terminals of the electrical relay 15. The remaining energization terminals of the red indicator lamp l3 and the electrical relay 15 are each returned to ground through respective conductors 32 and 33 (see FIG. 2). An audible signal in the form of a bell, for example, indicated at 34 in FIG. 2 is connected in parallel with the red signal light 13 through conductors 35, 36, to be energized simultaneously therewith. The lower stationary contact is connected to one energization terminal of green indicator terminal of said signal lamp being returned to ground through conductor 38.

The scale beam 17 comprises a movable switch contact arm cooperative with the switch contact assembly 12 to selectively energize the green indicator lamp 14 or the red indicator lamp 13 and its associated electrical relay 15 and audible signal bell 34. To this end, as illustrated in FlG. 2, the scale assembly 11 including the balance beam 17 are of metal to be electrically conductive, and are connected, as through conductor 39, to the positive terminal of a DC source of supply, indicated as a battery 40, the remaining terminal of which is returned to ground.

The cartridge 20, which may be in the form of a filled cylindrical tube, as illustrated, perforated to admit gas to the interior, is designed to have a high affinity to the particular gas to be detected, either by absorption or adsorption. As is known in the art, activated charcoal, silica, or an activated metal oxide could be used as the active ingredient to trap ambient or atmospheric gasses. The absorption rate will depend not only upon the absorbing or adsorbing material used, but also upon the density, mass and velocity of the gas and the activity of the active ingredient. The surface area of the absorbent and/or adsorbent also determines the amount of gas it will be capable of absorbing within a specified time. The gas detecting device depends in its operation upon the increase of weight of the gas absorbing cartridge 20 upon its exposure to the atmosphere being monitored.

In operation, a fresh or new gas-absorber cartridge 20 holding or carrying the activated material designed to capture by absorption and/or adsorption the particular gas to be detected will first be placed within the seat formed at the outer end of the scale beam 17, after which the thumbscrew 28 will be adjusted so that the counterweight 22 is brought to the point of scale balance. In such a position, the tip of the inner end portion 21 of the conductive scale beam 17 will be positioned.

between the stationary contacts 29 and 30. In this connection, it can be determined if the scale is outtof-balance by illumination of the green signal lamp 14, since an energization circuit will be completed to said signal lamp through lower stationary contact 30 and the conductive scale beam 17 and its associated conductive bracket 16 through battery 40. Once this scale is balanced as described above, increasing weight of the gas-absorber cartridge 20 as it traps more and more of the ambient gas to be detected gradually turns the scale beam 17 in the clockwise direction (as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2) until it finally makes contact with the upper stationary contact 29 of the switch contact assembly 12. Closure of this upper switch contact completes a circuit from energizing battery 40 and through conductors 31, 32 and 39 to energize the red warning indicator lamp 13. At the same time, warning bell 34 in shunt with the warning indicator lamp 13 will be energized through conductors 35 and 36 to provide audible warning.

FIG. 2 illustrates by way of example how the gas alarm system could be adapted to use in automatically disconnecting the ignition to turn off a vehicle internal combustion engine kept running in place to provide heating for the interior, in case carbon monoxide concentration levels become hazardous. To this end, the upper stationary contact 29 is also connected through conductor 31 to one energization terminal of a relay winding 41, the other energization winding terminal is returned to ground through conductor 33. The relay 41 comprises normally closed fixed switch contact am 42 and movable switch contact arm 43 adapted to be opened when the relay energization relay is energized. The switch contact arms 42 and 43 are connected in series with the vehicle ignition switch 44 through conductors 45, 46. In operation, it will be understood that upon the gas-absorber cartridge 20 having absorbed sufiicient carbon monoxide indicative of a hazardous concentration thereof within the vehicle, the scale will have become unbalanced in a clockwise direction to close the switch comprising the stationary contact 29 and the scale beam as described above, thereby energizing the relay winding 41 in addition to energizing the red warning lamp l3 and audible signal bell 34, as. described above. The energization of the relay winding 41 will open-circuit its associated switch 42, 43, open circuiting the vehicle ignition energizing circuit from vehicle battery 40, conductor 47 and ignition switch 44 (now closed). The vehicle motor will thus be automatically turned off to eliminate the hazard of increased concentrations of-carbon monoxide within the vehicle to protect the occupants even if they should become unconscious and fail to respond to the accompanying warnings afforded by the red signal lamp l3 and the audible signal bell 34.

While I have illustrated and described herein only one form in which my invention can conveniently be embodied in practice, it is to be understood that this form is given by way of example only and not in a limiting sense. The invention, in brief, comprises all the embodiments and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the following claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. A gas detection and alarm system comprising, in combination, a balance scale beam including a central pivotal support means, a gas-absorber cartridge in which the absorbed material is distributed over the surface of the absorbing material of said cartridge and receivable for weighing at one side of said scale beam, a counterweight on the other side of said scale beam, means for adjustably positioning said counterweight along said other side of said scale beam for balancing said scale beam with respect to said gas-absorber cartridge, an alarm, and energized circuit means controlled by an imbalanced condition of said scale beam for actuating said alarm, said counterweight adjusting means comprising an adjustment screw, means threadingly supporting said adjustment screw for longitudinal axial movement with respect to said balance beam, and means abuttingly engageable with opposite end portions of said counterweight for adjustably positioning said counterweight on said other side of said scale beam.

2. A gas detection and alarm system, as defined in claim 1, wherein said alarm comprises a first indicator lamp, a first energizing circuit for said first indicator lamp, and a first switch in said energizing circuit controlled by the movement of said balance beam away from a balanced condition in one direction to energize said lamp.

3. A gas detection and alarm system, as defined in claim 2,

including a second indicator lamp, a second energizing circuit for said second indicator lamp, and a second switch in said second energizing circuit controlled by the movement of said balance beam away from a balanced condition in the other direction to energize said second indicator lamp.

4. A gas detection and alarm system, as defined in claim 3, wherein said one direction imbalanced condition corresponds with the upward direction of said other side of said other scale beam to indicate an increased weight condition of said gas absorber cartridge. I

5. A gas detection and alarm system, as defined in claim 4, including an electrical audible alarm connected in parallel with said first-indicator lamp to be energized simultaneously therewith.

6. A gas detection and alarm system, as defined in claim 5, wherein said first switch means comprises a first stationary contact fixed in spaced relation above the outer end of said other side of said scale beam when in a balanced condition, and wherein said second switch means comprises a second stationary contact fixed in spaced relation below the outer end of said other side of said scale when in a balanced condition, said scale beam and its pivotal support means being of electrically conductive material and comprising part of said first and second energizing circuits.

7. A gas detection and alarm system, as defined in claim 4, including an electrical relay connected in parallel with said first indicator lamp to be energized simultaneously therewith, and a normally closed switch controlled by said relay and operative to be open-circuited upon the energization of said relay, said normally closed switch being connected in series with the ignition energizing circuit of an automotive vehicle for turning off the vehicle motor upon imbalance of said scale beam in the upward direction of said other side thereof.

8. A gas detection and alarm system, as defined in claim 6,

including an electrical relay connected in parallel with said first indicator lamp to be energized simultaneously therewith, and a normally closed switch controlled by said relay and operative to be open-circuited upon the energization of said relay, said normally closed switch being connected in series with the ignition energizing circuit of an automotive vehicle for turning off the vehicle motor upon imbalance of said scale beam in the upward direction of said other side thereof. 

1. A gas detection and alarm system comprising, in combination, a balance scale beam including a central pivotal support means, a gas-absorber cartridge in which the absorbed material is distributed over the surface of the absorbing material of said cartridge and receivable for weighing at one side of said scale beam, a counterweight on the other side of said scale beam, means for adjustably positioning said counterweight along said other side of said scale beam for balancing said scale beam with respect to said gas-absorber cartridge, an alarm, and energized circuit means controlled by an imbalanced condition of said scale beam for actuating said alarm, said counterweight adjusting means comprising an adjustment screw, means threadingly supporting said adjustment screw for longitudinal axial movement with respect to said balance beam, and means abuttingly engageable with opposite end portions of said counterweight for adjustably positioning said counterweight on said other side of said scale beam.
 2. A gas detection and alarm system, as defined in claim 1, wherein said alarm comprises a first indicator lamp, a first energizing circuit for said first indicator lamp, and a first switch in said energizing circuit controlled by the movement of said balance beam away from a balanced condition in one direction to energize said lamp.
 3. A gas detection and alarm system, as defined in claim 2, including a second indicator lamp, a second energizing circuit for said second indicator lamp, and a second switch in said second energizing ciRcuit controlled by the movement of said balance beam away from a balanced condition in the other direction to energize said second indicator lamp.
 4. A gas detection and alarm system, as defined in claim 3, wherein said one direction imbalanced condition corresponds with the upward direction of said other side of said other scale beam to indicate an increased weight condition of said gas absorber cartridge.
 5. A gas detection and alarm system, as defined in claim 4, including an electrical audible alarm connected in parallel with said first indicator lamp to be energized simultaneously therewith.
 6. A gas detection and alarm system, as defined in claim 5, wherein said first switch means comprises a first stationary contact fixed in spaced relation above the outer end of said other side of said scale beam when in a balanced condition, and wherein said second switch means comprises a second stationary contact fixed in spaced relation below the outer end of said other side of said scale when in a balanced condition, said scale beam and its pivotal support means being of electrically conductive material and comprising part of said first and second energizing circuits.
 7. A gas detection and alarm system, as defined in claim 4, including an electrical relay connected in parallel with said first indicator lamp to be energized simultaneously therewith, and a normally closed switch controlled by said relay and operative to be open-circuited upon the energization of said relay, said normally closed switch being connected in series with the ignition energizing circuit of an automotive vehicle for turning off the vehicle motor upon imbalance of said scale beam in the upward direction of said other side thereof.
 8. A gas detection and alarm system, as defined in claim 6, including an electrical relay connected in parallel with said first indicator lamp to be energized simultaneously therewith, and a normally closed switch controlled by said relay and operative to be open-circuited upon the energization of said relay, said normally closed switch being connected in series with the ignition energizing circuit of an automotive vehicle for turning off the vehicle motor upon imbalance of said scale beam in the upward direction of said other side thereof. 